Julie Roys

Hundreds of churches destroyed by Russian forces in Ukraine At least 737 churches and other religious buildings have been damaged or destroyed in Ukraine since Russia’s invasion began in 2022.

Russian forces have damaged or destroyed at least 737 religious buildings in Ukraine since 2022, including hundreds of Baptist churches. Advocates say the attacks and pressure on clergy reflect a broader crackdown on religious freedom in Russian-occupied areas.
julieroys.com/hundreds-of-...

Two churches in east Texas trade spaces An East Texas Assemblies of God church and a Baptist congregation swap buildings in show of interdenominational unity.

A Baptist church and an Assemblies of God church in East Texas swapped buildings so each congregation could thrive. Leaders say the decision became a powerful example of Christian unity and both churches are now thriving.
julieroys.com/two-churches...

Over 100 Latino Christian leaders say Trump adviser Samuel Rodriguez’s reach is misrepresented More than 100 Latino Christian leaders wrote a letter saying that Rodriguez does not speak for the broader Latino evangelical community.

More than 100 Latino Christian leaders say Samuel Rodriguez, an evangelical adviser to President Donald Trump, does not represent the broader Latino evangelical community, warning that Trump’s immigration policies are harming Latino communities.
julieroys.com/latino-chris...

Kentucky pastor sentenced to prison for sexually abusing teen church member A Kentucky pastor was sentenced to two years in prison after pleading guilty to sexually abusing a 14-year-old girl from his congregation.

A Kentucky pastor was sentenced to two years in prison after pleading guilty to sexually abusing a 14-year-old girl from his congregation. Though he has already served the sentence in jail, ICE authorities have placed a detainer on him.
julieroys.com/kentucky-pas...

‘Dangerous’ or ‘refreshing’? New Christian TV drama sparks debate over pastor/member romance A new faith-based TV drama about a widowed pastor pursuing romance with a congregant is drawing praise from some viewers but criticism from abuse survivors and experts.

Some have praised the new Wonder Project drama 'It's Not Like That' as “refreshing.” But abuse survivors and experts warn its pastor-congregant romance ignores the power imbalance between clergy and members—relationships criminalized in multiple states.
julieroys.com/new-christia...

Survey: Churchgoers aim to serve in and out of church A new Lifeway survey reports most churchgoers say they’re looking for ways to serve God as well as the people in the church and community.

Serving others is central to Christian faith but many believers admit they’re still figuring out how to do it.
A new Lifeway study finds most churchgoers want to serve God and others while acknowledging their efforts are inconsistent.
julieroys.com/survey-churc...

Georgia abuse prevention event outlines steps for fostering 'Safer Churches' Church leaders gathered for a Safer Churches workshop focused on preventing abuse and protecting vulnerable people in ministry settings.

Church leaders gathered in Atlanta for a Safer Churches event to learn practical strategies for preventing abuse & responding biblically when it occurs. Speakers urged transparency, accountability, & stronger safeguards to protect vulnerable people in ministry settings.
julieroys.com/georgia-abus...

Nigerian herdsmen responsible for Christian massacre put on trial Nine Fulani leaders have gone on trial in Nigeria over their alleged role in the 2025 Benue massacre that killed more than 270 Christians.

Nine Fulani tribal leaders have gone on trial in Nigeria over their role in organizing the June 2025 Benue massacre that killed more than 270 Christians, facing dozens of terrorism-related charges including financing and recruiting attackers.
julieroys.com/nigerian-her...

Crystal Lewis Exposes Song-Stealing in CCM Crystal Lewis says her Grammy-nominated song “Even If” was taken without consent—raising fresh questions about power and credit in CCM.

Songwriter Crystal Lewis says film 'I Can Only Imagine 2' erases her role in writing hit song “Even If.”
Now Roys Report journalist Jessica Morris interviews Lewis—then joins me to unpack what it all reveals about credit, power & the voices of women in the CCM industry.
julieroys.com/podcast/crys...

Indiana children’s pastor sentenced to 9 years for possessing child sexual abuse material A former Indiana children’s pastor was sentenced to nine years in prison after pleading guilty to possessing child sexual abuse material.

A former children’s pastor at an Indiana church was sentenced to 9 years in federal prison after pleading guilty to possessing child sexual abuse material discovered during an FBI investigation tied to another criminal case.
julieroys.com/indiana-chil...

Mark Driscoll's booming Trinity Church pays $15.5M for vacant office complex Mark Driscoll’s Trinity Church purchased a Scottsdale office complex for $15 million, planning to convert the property into a worship campus.

Mark Driscoll’s Trinity Church has purchased a vacant Scottsdale office complex for $15.5 million, planning to convert the building into a larger worship campus as attendance outgrows its current facility.
julieroys.com/mark-driscol...

NC church to pursue investigation of Acts 29 VP fired for sexual misconduct Vintage Church will pursue a third-party investigation into pastor Tyler Jones, who was fired after admitting an inappropriate relationship.

Vintage Church announced it will launch an independent investigation into founding pastor Tyler Jones, who also served as a vice president for Acts 29, after elders fired him over a years-long inappropriate relationship.
julieroys.com/nc-church-to...

After 2-year silence on Mike Bickle’s sexual abuse, Francis Chan apologizes Francis Chan apologized for endorsing church leaders later accused of misconduct but defended his past silence.

Pastor and author Francis Chan apologized for endorsing leaders later accused of abuse, including IHOPKC’s Mike Bickle, but defended his long silence on the scandals, saying Scripture calls him to be “slow to speak.”
julieroys.com/after-2-year...

Lawsuit: Greg Laurie’s church covered up sexual misconduct of top pastors, paying one $4 million to sign NDA A new federal court filing alleges church leaders at Harvest Christian Fellowship concealed sexual misconduct by two senior pastors.

A federal court filing alleges leaders at Harvest Christian Fellowship quietly removed two senior pastors over sexual misconduct, including paying one $4 million tied to a nondisclosure agreement, while offering no explanation to staff or congregants.
julieroys.com/lawsuit-greg...

Georgia Senate unanimously passes bill targeting clergy sexual abuse The Georgia Senate unanimously passed a bill creating criminal penalties for clergy who exploit their spiritual authority for sexual contact.

The Georgia Senate unanimously approved legislation creating criminal penalties for clergy who engage in sexual contact with people under their spiritual authority. The bill now heads to the state House and aims to close gaps in state law governing abuse of power.
julieroys.com/georgia-sena...

Conservative Anglican bishops seek 'disengagement' from Canterbury without naming rival leader Conservative Anglican leaders have formed the Global Anglican Communion and plan to disengage from the Archbishop of Canterbury.

Conservative Anglican leaders have rebranded GAFCON as the Global Anglican Communion and announced plans to disengage from the Archbishop of Canterbury and traditional Anglican governing bodies.
julieroys.com/conservative...

'A lie from the pit of hell': Episcopal leaders push back on rumors of fatal decline Episcopal Church leaders gathered in Charlotte to talk about the future of the church and what the denomination still has to offer.

Episcopal leaders gathered in North Carolina expressed renewed optimism about the denomination’s future despite decades of membership decline.

Presiding Bishop Sean Rowe urged churches to speak more boldly about faith and focus on rebuilding community and evangelism.
julieroys.com/a-lie-from-t...

Anglican leader sues breakaway rival for defamation Acting ACNA Archbishop Julian Dobbs has filed a defamation lawsuit against Bishop Derek Jones over claims Dobbs misappropriated church funds.

Acting ACNA Archbishop Julian Dobbs has filed a defamation lawsuit against Anglican Reformed Catholic Church Bishop Derek Jones over claims Dobbs misappropriated church funds.

Dobbs says the allegations are false and were made to discredit the denomination.
julieroys.com/anglican-lea...

USCIRF Report brings mixed views of U.S. support for international religious freedom A new USCIRF report warns religious persecution is worsening worldwide, highlighting deadly violence in Nigeria.

A new U.S. Commission on International Religious Freedom report warns that religious persecution is worsening worldwide. The report also raises concerns that recent foreign aid cuts could weaken programs designed to monitor abuses and defend religious freedom globally.
julieroys.com/uscirf-repor...

Truett McConnell professor alleges retaliation after speaking out about alleged sexual abuse A Truett McConnell professor has filed a discrimination complaint, alleging she was fired for speaking out about sexual abuse.

A longtime Truett McConnell University mathematics professor has filed a federal discrimination complaint with the EEOC, alleging she was fired for speaking out about sexual abuse by senior administrator Bradley Reynolds.
julieroys.com/truett-mccon...

Texas pastor sentenced to life in prison for repeatedly sexually abusing young relative Former Texas pastor James Lawson was sentenced to life in prison for repeatedly sexually abusing a young relative over several years.

A former Texas pastor has been sentenced to life in prison after a jury convicted him of repeatedly sexually abusing a young relative over several years. James Lawson, who led Apostolic Life Church in Kosse, Texas, was found guilty of continuous sexual abuse of a child
julieroys.com/texas-pastor...

Evangelical leaders return to Oval Office to pray over Trump Evangelical leaders gathered in the Oval Office to pray over President Trump during a White House faith event organized by Paula White.

Evangelical leaders gathered in the Oval Office to pray over President Donald Trump during a White House faith event organized by televangelist Paula White.
julieroys.com/evangelical-...

Despite police record and mug shot, Greg Locke denies March 3 arrest Pastor Greg Locke denies being arrested for driving with a suspended license, despite jail records by Tennessee authorities.

Tennessee pastor Greg Locke is denying he was arrested for driving with a suspended license, despite police records showing he was booked and released after turning himself in. Locke claims the suspension stemmed from a paperwork issue related to proof of insurance.
julieroys.com/despite-poli...

Survey: Hispanic church planters face unique advantages and obstacles A Lifeway study finds Hispanic church plants in the U.S. are growing but face challenges such as assimilation and immigration fears.

A Lifeway Research study finds Hispanic church plants in the U.S. are steadily growing but face challenges such as cultural assimilation, immigration fears, and reaching second- and third-generation Hispanics.
julieroys.com/survey-hispa...

Former Christian school teacher charged with creating AI-Generated explicit images of students Richard Upright, a former teacher at Vandalia Christian School, was arrested and charged with second-degree sexual exploitation of a minor

A teacher at a North Carolina Christian school has been arrested on multiple child exploitation charges after investigators say he used AI to create sexually explicit images of students.
julieroys.com/former-chris...

Beth Moore to end Living Proof events in 2027 Beth Moore announced her Living Proof Ministries will stop hosting large-scale events in 2027, when she turns 70.

Beth Moore announced her Living Proof Ministries will stop hosting large-scale Living Proof events in 2027, when she turns 70. The bestselling Bible teacher says she plans to continue writing and speaking as she enters a new chapter of ministry.
julieroys.com/beth-moore-t...

Priest Who Led Kansas Nonprofit Pleads Guilty Former foster care CEO and Episcopal priest Robert Smith pleaded guilty to wire fraud for a scheme that defrauded Saint Francis Ministries.

Former Episcopal priest and foster care nonprofit CEO Robert Smith has pleaded guilty to a scheme to defraud Kansas-based Saint Francis Ministries of millions. Smith led the organization from 2014 to 2020 and faces up to 20 years in prison.
julieroys.com/priest-who-l...

Survey: Americans alone in finding fellow citizens 'morally bad' A Pew study finds the U.S. is the only country where most people say their fellow citizens’ morality is bad.

A Pew study finds Americans are more likely than people in other countries to say their fellow citizens’ morality is bad. Christians are also more likely to view behaviors like abortion and homosexuality as morally unacceptable.
julieroys.com/survey-ameri...

Conservative Anglican leaders meet in Nigeria to elect a leader, fueling concerns of schism Conservative Anglican leaders meeting in Nigeria plan to appoint a new global leader and formalize a rival Anglican structure.

Conservative Anglican leaders gathering in Nigeria are preparing to announce a new global leader and formalize the Global Anglican Communion. The move challenges Canterbury’s authority following the election of Archbishop Sarah Mullally.
julieroys.com/conservative...

Former North Carolina teacher, youth pastor faces multiple charges of sex crimes against children Former North Carolina teacher and youth pastor Mikah Brondyke faces multiple charges related to sex crimes against children.

Former North Carolina teacher and youth pastor, Mikah Brondyke, faces multiple charges tied to sex crimes against children. His wife, a school assistant principal, is suspended.
julieroys.com/former-north...